Flirt with Dirt

I finished my first trail run on June 13th. It was harder than I thought and we ended the race by running up a hill. Fun right? Kathy was there waiting for me at the bottom of the hill and ran with me up to the finish. Thanks Kathy!! I looked at the official race time and I ran the 5K in 41:16. This is not my best 5K time but I am proud that I was able to run it and finish.

Kathy and my mom came out to cheer me on. We had a good weekend and I was able to show them around some of Ann Arbor. I took them to Zingerman's (of course) for lunch, went to Kerrytown, and then walked down main street. It was a good day and I felt good even though I ran.

Here are some of the pictures from the Flirt with Dirt

Before the run

The Beginning


The hill at the end.

Finished! (and don't look too tired)

Nope

I received an e-mail yesterday to inform me that our offer was not accepted and that someone else's was. So the great house search continues. Mike and I are both a bit bummed. Here is hoping we find something soon.

Offer

We put in an offer on a house last night. We are hoping to hear if it is accepted within the week here. I will keep you updated. We are very excited and of course nervous.

Flirting

I have now committed to running a 5K race in June. It is called "Flirt with the Dirt."

Here is the link: http://www.runflirt.com

My sister Kathy is planning to come in and run it with me. Although I think she will get a better time since she has always been the athletic one. I also know that this is a really hard course so I think we will have some bragging rights when we finish!!

I am slowly training for the race. Last year I hurt my foot in a 5K race at Epcot in Orlando, FL, so I am excited to be able to run again. The weather has been great for running outside so I have really been enjoying it. I am hoping to be more aware of my foot (and the rest of me) in order to avoid any more injuries this time.

The race is on June 13th so wish us luck!

Loss and Life

Today is six years my father has been gone. It is amazing to think that he has been dead that long. In light of today I would like to share a poem I found.

Tis a Fearful Thing

It is a fearful thing

to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing

to love, hope, and dream:

to be--

to be,

And! to lose.

A thing for fools, this,

and

a holy thing,

a holy thing

to love.

For your life has lived in me,

your laugh once lifted me,

your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy.

'Tis a human thing, love,

a holy thing,

to love

what death has touched.

-- Anonymous

Short Goodbyes

Edith Ellis was my grandmother. She was a vibrant lady who loved her family, cards, and in her own words she "never met a man she didn't like." Last friday I officiated her funeral. She had a short two month struggle with colon cancer. I was able to spend some time with her before she was transferred to hospice care and say my goodbyes. My grandmother asked me to prayer for her which brought me to tears. When I asked her what we should pray for she said "for peace and comfort." Now that is my prayer for my family and myself. We have had a long six years and have seen a lot of loss.

If I have learned anything from my grandmother is to live life to the fullest on your own terms and cherish family and friends. I will miss my grandma... and I am so glad that Webster Comfort Care ( webstercomfortcare.org ) took such good care of her.

St. Paddy's and Melting Pot

Mike and I headed to Chicago for St. Paddy's Day weekend (see pics that follow). We had a great time as always. We took the train from Ann Arbor to Chicago. I have to say that riding on the train was a lot less stressful than driving and had more leg room then flying. I was able to finish my hat for the Shamrocking weekend and start one for Liz (which I finish the next day).

Like the hat? I do! And I already have an order to make another (which yes is on the needles). We took the trolley that Jon's mom rented from place to place and she even made song books. I know it sounds a bit silly but it was a lot of fun. We all sang Irish songs (or at least tried) with Jon leading the singing.

Here is Liz and Jon at the first place...

Mike and I...

On the trolley... picture from where I was sitting.

The girls at the last place.

Liz and I in our new hats!

It was great to spend more time with Jon and Liz on Sunday and just hang out. We got back home on Monday. On St. Patrick's Day we went to the Red Wings game. (GO RED WINGS!) The Red Wings won but it was not the best game I've seen. Mike and I really enjoyed the crowd and the energy at the Joe. (Joe Louis Arena) Maybe one day we will be able to have season tickets.

On my birthday we went to the Melting Pot with my in-laws. www.meltingpot.com

We had "the Big Night Out." I love fondue! Who doesn't like dipping delicious food in cheese, oil, or chocolate.

I also want to thank everyone for the cards and facebook birthday wishes. It was great to hear from everyone even though I am far from a lot of you. I think that is the scoop for now.